Theological Works

Only God can say “Mine.” In the nation of Israel, the Lord instituted a Sabbath rest even for the land itself, and seven such Sabbath years resulted in a redemptive year called Jubilee effectively resetting all debts (Lev. 25:8-54). Since only God can claim possession of the world and all that is in it (25:23), the Israelites could only sell the fruits of the land (25:18-22) and even the destitute who were forced to sell themselves into slavery were released in the year of Jubilee (25:39-43). God revealed his total proprietorship to Moses by proclaiming that the whole earth “is mine,” including the people who would be his treasured possession (Ex. 19:5). Christians should recognize that all their material possessions belong to God, and at the very least they can give back 10% (a tithe) to advance The Kingdom. However, after Christ purchased us back with his blood on the cross, we as individuals belong all the more God (1 Cor. 6:19-20). Ultimately, we will have to give account for everything we have been given from heaven; our money, our gifts, our personalities, our callings and our very lives, to carry out God's work (John 3:27).